“You can tell a man’s vises by his friends, his virtues by his enemies.” – Ben Domenech.
There is value in having enemies. If I meet a person who has not one enemy, I’d be suspicious of that person and wonder if he/she were lying, mistaken, or a people pleaser. But if they do have enemies and (even better) are proud of that, it means they stood for something at some point in life.
Understand that everyone has enemies. They may not admit it or may not know it, but they do have an enemy out there somewhere.
Too many people feel that they must win a popularity contest, and they go out of their way to do it. They suck up, try to be someone they aren’t just to run with the pack, seek attention, and bully those they see as defective. What’s even sadder is that they reach a point where they don’t know who they are anymore.
They unknowingly make themselves slaves to other people’s opinions and, therefore, slaves to others. This is a waste of time and too much work. Even worse, it chips away at your self-esteem. You end up letting yourself down to please others, and that’s not good.
The only way you can be free is to be true to yourself and let others have their opinions of you, good or bad. Realize that opinions are just that- opinions, and they’re like elbows. Everybody has them. Opinions are just as cheap as talk.
So, if you have enemies, be proud of it. It means that you’ve taken a stand and that you’re not afraid to be different. If you have enemies and are okay with having them, then you have the freedom, and you can do anything you want. Always remember that
I love your views on having enemies. I agree with it. You continue to amaze me with very interesting topics.
Thank you. 🙂 This means a lot!
good 🌞
Thank you so much, Jim. 😊
Thoughtful post shared
Thank you so much. 😊
I didn’t think I had any but I have come to accept it is normal. Not everyone will like me and I am now okay with that. I never use to be, would feel bad, but I know now that other people’s happiness is not my responsibility, only my own. My new mantra? I live this life I have for me, not for anyone else.
That’s a bingo and a 10-4 Roger, Stella! You’ve got this! 👍💖😊
Well said Cherie!
Thank you so much, Nadine! 💖💐🌹
You are very welcome Cherie!
I like your view on the value of enemies. I think this is a valuable point of view.
Thank you so much, Molly! 💖 It can be a good buffer for the self-esteem. 😊
I don’t know that I have ever had any “enemies,” in the purest sense of the word. But there are certainly people that I don’t get along well with, and some (even some that I have considered friends) that I have separated myself from on social media platforms. I don’t think I could ever be proud of having an enemy. In my opinion, that goes against what Jesus teaches me. I have, though, struggled with trying too hard, at times, to get people to like me. And I agree with you, that that’s not a good thing.
Thank you so much for your thoughts on this, Jeff. It’s still a good way to look at the situation- seeing the bright side. 🌞
Which is ironic for me, or at least used to be. I have a reputation for being quite the pessimist/worrier, so “seeing the bright side” is a fairly recent development for me. I certainly have Jesus to thank for that!
Absolutely, Jeff! Jesus is the giver of everything good- optimism amd hope. 🙏
If you are being true to yourself, some will love you for it and there are some who can’t stand it. Every single person goes through this.
I totally agree! 💯 Thank you so much for your thoughts! 💖💐🌹
I could never understand the pack mentality, I saw right through it so easily. Freethinker for life!
I’m so proud of you sweetheart! Many people get bewildered and confused by it, which only gives the bullies more power.
Thank you. I can understand the pack/herd mentality intellectually but not emotionally; I cannot wrap my head around those feelings or lack thereof.
I understand. My heart hurts for you.
That’s a very good point. You do make enemies based on your virtues or values. Once someone anonymous contacted me and asked why I thought it was a good idea to let my enemy know their tactics aren’t working anymore. I had been posting a lot of about gaslighting and manipulation on Quora at the time. I’m not sure who that person was, a family member/ex friend, but I do know now that I have at least one enemy. lol
It sounds like it. Realize that in educating others about gaslighting, you will make enemies. And the reason being is because they feel you are horsing in on their supply and empowering them, which is what they absolutely don’t want! Remember, people like them NEED victims. Or think they do.
That’s very true. Lol I love that people are getting more educated on how to recognize them now. I love that you use your blog to spread the word!
This means a lot, Sara! Thank you so much. 💖
🙂 <3
Very inspiring write up
Thank you so much, Faith! 💖
When folks don’t like you for no logical reason or they hate you because they apparently don’t have something you have (like good character), and you know that you are an ethical person trying to do the right thing, hold your head high and let them go “F” themselves. Why waste your precious time on their foolishness and idiocy! SMH 😫🙄😝 Great reminder and post my friend. 😎🙏🏽😊
Mic drop, girl! 🎤🔊🎤🔊 Let them go “F” themselves! They’re a waste of time! I couldn’t agree more! Love your honesty, sweetie! 💖🌹💐 I also love the fact that you don’t sugarcoat nothing! 😍😍😍 Thank you so much for your thoughts! 💪💪💪
Lawd Cherie, I validate your passion for telling it like it is. Bullies can’t come up against you and should they try, they better get ready for a BEAT-DOWN!!! 🥊🥊🥊
Ding-ding-ding! Round One!!! 🥊🥊🥊Da-da-daaaah! Da-da-daaaaah! (Singing the “Rocky” Theme).
Flying high now! Don’t mess with Cherie, oh no!!! Not today and tomorrow ain’t lookin’ too good either! 🎤🎤🎤
Hahahaha! Love you, girl! 😍😍😍
Love you more!!! 😍💖😘
😍🥰😍🥰
I’ll be back to read this. Looks good.👍
Thanks so much! 💖💖💖
True
Thank you so much! 🙂
What an awesome article! I have received your email, Cherie and will get round to reply you soon. Thank you!
You’re most welcome! 😊
And take your time, Kally. There’s no rush. 😊
Really inspiring post! It’s best to just be a stoic, and not place any thought nor feelings towards what people say and realise it is out of our control.
Absolutely 💯 You said that so perfectly!